Uganda’s Covert Military Presence in DR Congo Raises Alarms

Uganda’s Covert Military Presence in DR Congo Raises Alarms

Unapproved Troop Deployment in Ituri Province

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is facing mounting tensions following a Uganda’s Covert Military Presence in DR Congo Raises Alarms. According to a newly released report by United Nations experts, hundreds of Ugandan troops have crossed into Congolese territory without formal approval from Kinshasa. These deployments have been concentrated in Bunia, as well as the Mahagi and Djugu territories within the restive Ituri province. The report reveals that as many as 1,000 Ugandan soldiers are currently stationed across these areas, raising serious questions about Uganda’s true intentions in Congolese land.

Official Narrative: Combating Armed Groups

Uganda’s official explanation for the deployment focuses on combatting CODECO, an armed group that operates heavily within Ituri province. Ugandan authorities claim the group’s violent activities, especially around Lake Albert, pose a direct threat to Uganda’s national security. The area is of significant strategic interest as it houses critical Ugandan oil installations. In this context, Uganda insists that its military action is a defensive measure to protect its energy infrastructure and regional stability from CODECO’s cross-border attacks.

UN Experts Point to Economic Motives

However, the UN panel investigating the situation has cast doubt on Uganda’s stated objectives. According to the experts, the true motivation behind the troop presence appears to be economic rather than security-based. The territories Uganda is currently occupying are rich in gold and timber resources, which have historically attracted foreign interests. The UN warns that Uganda’s actions may be part of a broader strategy to exert influence over resource-rich regions under the guise of counter-insurgency. This has sparked fears of renewed regional exploitation and destabilization.

Historical Context: Past Authorization Now in Question

Uganda’s involvement in eastern Congo is not new. In 2021, Kinshasa gave Kampala formal approval to deploy troops into the Beni territory to combat the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) — an extremist group linked to the Islamic State. That partnership, once welcomed, led to an extended mandate for Uganda’s military operations. However, the latest troop deployments in Ituri reportedly occurred without any new authorization, marking a departure from previously agreed joint efforts. The DRC government has not issued an official response to the findings, but analysts suggest  diplomatic friction may be inevitable.

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Uncertainty Over Troop Numbers and Intentions

One of the major concerns raised by the UN experts is the lack of transparency surrounding Uganda’s military operations in the DRC. Despite repeated extensions of their operational mandate in Beni, it remains unclear how many Ugandan troops are now stationed across Congolese territories. The absence of formal agreements and vague military figures suggest a growing lack of coordination and communication between the two countries. As Uganda’s military footprint expands, so does regional anxiety about sovereignty violations and economic exploitation.

Regional Stability at Risk

The situation has broader implications for peace and security in Central Africa. The unauthorized movement of troops across borders sets a dangerous precedent that could embolden other states or groups to act unilaterally. With tensions already high in eastern Congo due to rebel insurgencies, any perception of foreign interference driven by economic interest could ignite local resentment and even trigger armed backlash. The UN has urged all involved parties to respect international law and national sovereignty, while calling for transparency in future military engagements within the region.

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